Frustrated Tiger Fans

CajunPunk

Is it really that unrealistic to stock your wardrobe and house with LSU gear (costing loads of $$$), pay $50 dollars a ticket to see the games, listen to the head coach stumble over himself in press conferences his entire tenure, to see this team decline not only one year but the next, possibly worse than the year before, see the team struggle against teams like Miss. State, La Tech, Washington and ULL, see the head coach make another boneheaded mistake with clock management this time to embarrass the university across the nation, and not be frustrated and wanting change? Miles said all last season that his defense was prepared (and they weren't) for the stuff that UF, UGA, Ole Miss and Arky threw at them, and that things would be fixed (and it never was) on both sides of the ball, and this year, he has been saying that things will be fixed (and they haven't been).

I predicted LSU would improve and go 9-3, blowing out the OOC teams and executing better. This hasn't happened. So far, most of the wins have been hideous, getting by on talent alone, and the reason so many of us were upset after the first couple of games is because we saw no improvement and the writing on the wall for the rest of the season.

It's unrealistic and ridiculous to be happy, content and complacent with what is happening. Over the last two years, LSU has declined majorly since Miles' first three years here. There is no denying this. And while many "realistic" LSU fans have their head up their rear end, many of us are hoping that things will change pretty soon before we turn into Miami.

With that said, Miles isn't going anywhere soon. In order to fire him, nearly the entire staff would have to go, and that's even bigger $$$. It's a joke that a lot of us see these top-5 recruiting classes for the last two years being manhandled by Troy, La. Tech, Miss. State, Udub, etc. Great coaching, eh?

It's sad when people post on this board that one of their favorite memories in Tiger Stadium was when the LSU defense had a goal line stand against ULL.

My, how far we've come.

I remember when Saban brought back the tenacious-minded defense my dad used to talk about when Casanova was there. Attacking and always wanting to stop the offense from gaining any yards, let alone just having a good redzone defense. I was used to the Dinardo years, so I was impressed greatly, especially with the 2003 defense.

Chavis, on the other hand, is a boring, bend and break (when playing good teams, he just bends when playing wimps) coach that has no LSU defensive qualities. He's okay with giving up a million yards and 3rd downs if it means being decent in the redzone. Many of us LSU fans are defensive purists, which is why we were so happy to see that strong total defense return with Saban, despite it not always being so dominant. There was fire there. Now, lethargy.

I'm a poor college student that will show up to the stadium on Saturday to buy tickets as a gift to myself because it's by b-day and I'll have the extra dough ready. I will cheer for the Tigers and stay the entire time, regardless if it's a 63-0 blow out in Arky's favor and in freezing cold rain, because I love the Tigers. I know there is a greater chance now after last week's let down that the Tigers could fall to Arky, but I'm a fan and want to see them play anyway.

But I'm "unrealistic."

Those of you who think you are better fans than the rest of us also need to chill out and realize that this team means just as much to us as it does to you.

In the words of your god, "Have a grrreat day."

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kcal

and now, having read this i realize for the first time (an epithany of sorts)


it really, really, really is all about you!!!!

no, really!


after this post i wonder how long it will take to rename the stadium?


i mean that would be majorly incredible in a myopic sort of way....


i think your pampers need changing

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CajunPunk

Hey, buddy. You don't watch LSU for their enjoyment. Give me a break, .

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LSUMASTERMIND

CP, its fine to be frustrated, but some of these folks are literally jumping off the ledge.

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-Henry Smith

Chase0316

Great post. I feel the same way you do and you took the words out of my typing fingers.

CajunPunk

The ledge of the Miles bandwagon.

LSUMM, if it weren't for the total incompetence displayed nationally in the final seconds of the Ole Miss game, it wouldn't be as bad (bad, but not as bad). The fact is that Miles was exposed yet again as not having any clue as to how much time is on the clock and what to do in those types of situations. That is frustrating and if it were any other school, the same thing would be happening.

The sad part is that the final minutes of the game is the main focus, while the entire game (and the last two seasons) was a coaching fiasco. Even so, if Les Miles sticks around much longer, I still want the Tigers to win.

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houtiger

Good post Punk, I respect it.

I don't agree with it in general, but a well written and thought out post.

Miles had 3 great years his first 3 here, I don't think anyone disputes that. That proves that he can get things in order and WIN.

Then his hand picked DC gets a chance to be a head coach and departs. He has to kick his starting QB (Parade all american) off the team, which given the situation we all agreed was the correct thing to do. Then we cry like babies when we are weak at the QB position and are forced to play redshirt frosh and true frosh or true soph QB's for two seasons.

But this is college football, and players come and go all the time. Assistant coaches and coordinators are coming and going all the time. Its hard to get it to all come together at the same time to hit a championship pitch, especially every season. Blue chip recruits turn out to be not so blue chip. Look at Tx. with Colt McCoy as a redshirt frosh, not so good. Now he's in the run for the national championship and Heisman as a sr. Sometimes you have to give people the chance to develop (like JJ) and for all the pieces to come together (Tx recently hired Muschamp from Auburn as the DC, where they were weak).

You will not win the Nat. Championship every year. How long are you going to give the coach before you fire him?

Two years ago we were all happy with Crowton. He had a 5th yr. sr. starting at QB, and helped us win a nat. championship. You can't say Miles messed up picking the OC that time. It may not work out well in the long run, but it was a solid pick, and the Oregon offense looked very good while Gary was there.

For those of us who defend Miles, we don't think he is a god, don't imply that which has never been stated nor implied. You are just making stuff up, and that weakens your case.

In judging Miles career at LSU, keep it all in perspective, and ask how many moving parts there are in this program and just how bad is our current record of 8-3, when you picked us to go 9-3 (I did too). We lost close games to #1 and #2 (vast improvement over last year when we got blown out several times). That's what I was looking for, improvement, and we got it on defense. Attacking, bend and not break, I don't care, I just care about wins. Bill Arnsbarger was a pretty good defensive coach in the NFL and at LSU in the late 80's, and he was bend and don't break.

I liked the defense this year. I did not like the offense this year. I did not like the QB play last year or this year, but they were a redshirt frosh last year and a true soph this year (and neither was ready for the job IMO). Let's see what happens after the season is over. But the team will probably improve at the QB slot just by virtue of the guys having a years experience under their belt. Amazing how that helps college kids.

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LSUFanZone

I fully understand your position, and agree to a point... but lets see what a new OC does next season. If we still struggle and barely manage 20 points a game then i'll agree it'll be time to look for another HC... but I think due to his success here, he deserves another year to right these last two seasons.

LSUtiger327

i think you'll get what you want next year.

either the tigers will win the west and you'll be happy.

or the tigers will falter again and miles will be fired and you will be happy with the change.



or.......he could continue to win unimpressively squeak by enough to keep his job with maybe a west win, a loss against whoever in the east, and a cotton bowl appearance. and they'll bring him back john brady style.

i'm voting for the first option.

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LSUFanZone

I predicted an 8-4 or 9-3 season. After the Bama game it looked like we were headed for a 10 win regular season, but it didn't happen. What bothers me though is... say Miles does get fired this year or next... there's no garuntee a new HC will be successful here, it'd really suck to get a new coach and end up with a worse record.

LSUMASTERMIND

I agree that its embarrassing, but to say we will turn into Miami is a stretch. Anything is possible, but I believe Miles is smart enough to make the changes that need to be made. He probably knows that not many other schools are going to jump to hire him right now, so the only other option is to fix what is broke.
I am pissed about the Ole Miss, Alabama, and Florida game, as much as you say we struggled against those second tier teams, these games could have been just as easily won with a better OC.
I guess Im saying all is not lost, 10-3 is very respectable, is it an underachievement to me it is and it isnt. We have the talent to beat Ole Miss, Alabama, and Florida, but we also dont in the same manner at a few key positions.

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-Henry Smith

LSUTigerDad

I was frustrated in the 90's. Not frustated now. I will say though this season has been like a box of chocolates.

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LaSalleAve

i think my big problem with the way the Miles tenure has shaped up is a double edged sword. We have been in so many close games in the last 5 years i am willing to bet that at least 3 years have been taken off of my life. My relationship with this program under Miles has been like a old man dating a hot young model. It absolutely takes everything out of me, but its exciting. When times are good, they are really good, but you have to deal with the drama.

LSUFanZone

Nice post.

Rex C.

Who are your referring to? Everone I've read is upset to some degree with CLM - some a lot more unhappy than others, but no one is calling him a "god" these days. You seem to be frustrated simply becasue not everyone is as unhappy as you are - which is really quite silly.

OK - so I guess we (the less unhappy) have our heads up our arses because we realize CLM is not going anywhere soon, so we might as well try to make the best of it and show up and root for the team.

Now you're getting it.

kcal

i guess what frustrates me is the sense of entitlement that lots of folks seem to possess. Tigers didn't win by fifty? f'n coach sucks. it dared to rain while i was at the game? i just spent 50 bones on a LSU polo and les pulled that crap? how dare he!!!!!!!





am i frustrated? you betcha (thanks s. palin) but i'm not jumping off of the bandwagon anytime soon




this, from CFN says it better than i can:

Quote:

5. LSU

troubling yes....

how will this team and coaching staff respond?

we'll have some answers saturday nite

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stevescookin

Good post CajunPunk, I think I feel the same way you do. The last two years are frustrating. The first three were excellent. The trend is noticable to me and others. Where I'm different from a lot of others, is I'm disappointed and frustrated, but I'm realistic and not full of hate for Miles. Maybe I should throw in patient as well.

What I disagree with strongly is the Miles sucks and he needs to be fired now people.

What I can't stand is the "why" they feel this way. You know, the personal grudge people hold against Miles because they feel that a loss is a personal attack from Miles against them personally. This is nonsense.

It's a game played for our entertainment.



Happy birthday. Have a great time at the game. I hope we win, but I'm concerned.

LSU Engineer

. There is no way that Miles gets fired if he wins 8 games a year. Miles' contract gets an extension any time he wins 8 games or more. LSU has set up 8 games as an acceptable record. His buyout is also 18.75 mil so no way he gets fired unless he has a losing season. LSU fans better get comfortable with Miles soon because he is going to be here for a while. LSU is public institution that is nowhere near Ohio state and Florida with big time donors to afford that buyout.

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Sourdoughman

I agree with Cajun Punk's post.
I have questioned the lines on both sides this year.
I truly believe the Arkansas game will answer many questions though.
I am not a Miles hater, I have been skeptical and at the same time hopeful he is the guy because I want to have him and LSU succeed.
He is a fine, wonderful person, there is no better character as far as I can tell.

Geaux Tigers!

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SabanFan

CP, I'll tell you how to handle this. Get a life. There is no reason why any adult should still be this upset 4 days later.

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TUSKtimes

Not for me to say too much about CLM future.

Coach Shula was told by AD get a new OC, money was no object. He stubbornly refused to give up play calling. He was gone.

Cutcliffe was warned by school hierarchy to make changes, he fought them, he too was gone, in the "short run".

My opinion, richt better shore up that defense now, or he's looking down the barrel. In the short run.

CLM, has shown a willingness to make adjustments, I don't get the impression he puts loyalty ahead of winning and losing. Like many have said, next year is a big one.

Kandjviz

CP, I believe you forget that Saban's first defenses here at LSU were not very good.(00,01 and 02). Saban's first truly dominant defense was in 03. And in 04 it wasn't as good as 03. Give Chief a little time to have players used to his system and you will see the defense is greatly improved. Saban's defense in 00 did not pressure qb's well. This is similar to the situation we have now.

stevescookin

Saban's defenses reminded me of the giants with Taylor and Carson with all those blitzes, reads, shifts and looks. Eli Manning still hasn't seen anything since then.

I think it took a few years to learn how to execute. and the year after the NC, the D wasn't so good because the backups who had to start the 8-5 year hadn't practiced it too much during the week because the starters needed the reps.

Tiger420

Some good points here. I think Miles has proven he can coach good talent which is evidenced by his first three seasons. He has also confirmed that he needs the right coordinators in place and Crowton may not be that guy. GC was great with a seasoned QB but has struggled with the younger guys. It would appear that he is not the right fit here. This is confusing because he did lead a highly productive offense at Oregon. But the Ducks are not the Tigers ....

I think many underestimated the impact of the Perrilloux events. A different young and inexperienced QB has taken the reigns each of the last two years. That's not easy to pull off. Still this coaching staff has failed to make the necessary adjustments and install the right elements that make the best use of the talents on this team. I just haven't seen the offense develop and progress over the last couple of seasons and that's the big problem. It's College Football, you are going to have very young players coming through all the time. We need coordinators with systems that can advantage youth and inexperience as well as seasoned verterans.

Finally, I do like the defense. This side of the team has grown, developed and gotten stronger all year long. Yes they give up more yards than we'd like but they have put this team in winnable positions each game. I don't think you can ask much more from a unit that has a new coach, a new system and is spending more than their fair share of time on the field because our offense doesn't take many snaps and doesn't go on many long sustained drives.

LSU hit a perfect storm but the problems can be fixed. I think the most important aspect has been addressed. From the news this week it would appear that the coaches still have the respect and dedication of the team. The kids still believe in Miles and are ready to play for him. Saturday night will show just how tight this team is.

As we all have observed and commented, the offense needs new leadership. For whatever reason, Crowton's system is not working here. With the right OC I think this team can realize their potential next year. All the elements should line up for us if the right off-season moves are made.

For now I'm looking forward to seeing how inspired this team is tomorrow night.

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col reb

wow...I know things are kind of tough now, but you still have a shot at a 10-3 season. Man, _________IF

The tigers had not pulled out the Washington game---yeah, the team that beat USC at a time the nation was eating their freshman qb with a spoon..

The tigers had not finally decided to play the second half against ULL..

The MSU qb had not decided to paly "hero" with a rb and blocker "wide open" to his left...and not a LSU defender anywhere close..(not taking a thing away from the tiger's goal line stand)

Or, if, Scott had not saved the day against Georgia....

You guys would be sitting on seven losses with a "dangerous" Arkansas team coming in Sat. night.

Miles would have to coach from the coach's box Sat. And he better go ahead and get there a day or two early. Wouldn't want to walk up there that night. Or put a bullet proof box somewhere on the sidelines for him. Metal detectors at each gate. Or he would have been gone (if the fans had their way) before the end of the season.

I'm not taking up for Miles. I don't know the real reason why things are playing out like this. But I will say this:

Looking at LSU from my red/blue glasses----whatever the problem, I still see a lot of the "tiger pride." Last weekend, OM pretty much had their way against LSU. I'm not gonna talk about any calls the refs made in the first quarter alone. That's football. OM held the tigers to like 40 yds rushing and not a whole lot more passing, if you knock off the last td and the hail Mary. But LSU just kept hanging in and hanging in. I told my son that this may quite well be another OM/LSU thriller. It was. LSU had a chance right there at the end. A couple of serious errors let it slip away. Had it not been for some intestinal fortitude by the players, it would not have even been close. How many blocked field goals that is returned for a td do you see? Not too many. That's a ten point swing. Two possible td's in the first quarter alone called back...yeah, I know. A block in the back. Good call. But those TIGERS kept fighting and were in a game that they just might not should have been in. I'll take it, but it is a shame that they played that hard and then had this happen to them.

Had those two tds counted and the fg been good instead of being blocked-----something like 49-13...I have a feeling that would have irked you almost as much as Miles coaching blunder. Best to take a deep breath and then go to "making bacon."

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